Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/196125
F An artist's rendering of the new WSU Wine Science Center. offers the only four-year bachelor's of science degree in the state for viticulture and enology and a two-year distance-learning certificate. Current enrollment includes more than 50 undergraduates, 29 graduates, and 120 in the distance-learning component. Hub "The Wine Science Center will be a world-class facility," Henick-Kling said, adding that it will give muchneeded space for students and research. "It will serve as a hub for students, researchers, and the industry." Governor Jay Inslee, who also participated in shoveling the dirt, said the center "symbolizes the power of partnerships" and represents future economic growth for the state. "When you think about tripling the wine industry's economic impact to $25 billion, wouldn't it be great to think that although we've been known for our illustration courtesy of wsu or more information, visit www.wine.wsu. edu/campaign . Boeing and Microsoft industries, we'll also be known for our wine industry," he said. More than $19 million of the $23 million needed has been pledged or donated in the last two years as part of the WSU fundraising campaign chaired by Baseler. Major funding for the center comes from the Washington Wine Commission's pledge of $7.4 million generated through grower and winery self-assessments, $5 million contributed by the state, and $2.06 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Port of Benton donated land valued at $350,000. WSU is leading financing and fundraising efforts and the City of Richland is managing the Wine Science Center Development Authority, which oversees construction. Once the center is built, the development authority will donate the center to WSU. More than $4.5 million has been donated through corporate and private commitments and in-kind donations of equipment and professional services. Most recently, two California companies—Cooperages 1912 and Oak Solutions Group—owned by the Boswell family pledged $250,000 and a decade's worth of wine barrels. Another major cash donation of $100,000 comes from Hamilton Cellars, a small winery in Richland. The winery's contribution is being matched by another WSU benefactor to make the pledge worth $200,000. Last year, Spokane Industries, manufacturer of stainless steel tanks, pledged $600,000 worth of tanks for the new research winery. An anonymous contribution of $500,000 was given early on. "We have $2 million left to go in raising funds for the building and $2 million left that's needed for equipment," said Baseler, adding that the campaign committee continues to work towards reaching the goal of $23 million. • Why stop at an apple a day? Employee Benefits from Kibble & Prentice You deserve an insurance broker who works as hard as you do. Professionals at Kibble & Prentice specialize in building healthy benefits plans for your business, and focus on communicating changing laws to keep you compliant. Our popular Benefits Resource Center handles your employees' benefit inquiries, reducing the burden on your HR department. Contact us for a consultation. kpcom.com 800.767.0650 Employee Benefits · Commercial Insurance · Succession Planning · Retirement Plan Services · Private Client Services www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower NOVEMBER 2013 33